Replacing a Chain
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Despite your best efforts at keeping the chain clean, eventually all your pedaling is going to wear it out. The chain is under constant force and tension and, as it’s shifted back and forth across the different gears, it begins to stretch. You can still ride on a stretched chain, but it’ll cause your cogs and chainrings to wear out faster. Because replacing the chain is much cheaper than replacing the cogs and chainrings, we recommend replacing your chain at the first sign of wear. In this section, we talk about how to remove a chain and then how to measure it and reconnect it when you’re ready to reinstall it
Before you try to remove or install a chain, you need to know what type of chain you have (see “A Chain Is Not a Chain Is Not a Chain: Types of Chains,” earlier in this chapter). Each type of chain requires a different procedure for removing it and installing it.
Unchain me! Removing the chain
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Before attempting to remove or cut the chain while it’s on a bike, shift it to the smallest cog in the rear and onto the frame and to the side of the small chainring in the front. If you don’t do this, the chain will be under tension and, as soon as it’s separated, it may be thrown back at you.
SRAM PowerLink-type chains have a single master link that can be separated and reconnected with common hand tools (pliers and/or a screwdriver), making chain removal and installation a simple task. To remove a PowerLink-type chain:
1. Find the master link.
2. Pinch the outer plates together and, at the same time, slide one plate forward and the other plate backward.
This will unlock the connecting plates and allow you to separate the chain.
If you have the most common type of chain, the Shimano — or Campagnolo — type chain, you’ll need to use a special chain tool to push out one of the current pins and push another pin in its place when it’s time to connect it. In order to cut the chain, follow these steps:
1. Position the chain into the cradle of the chain tool that is farthest away from the handle (as shown in Figure 10-11).
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2. Turn the handle clockwise until the chain tool pin comes in contact with the chain rivet, and then stop.
There may be one or more black rivets in the chain from where it was last connected. Select an original silver rivet.
3. Examine the chain tool pin to make sure it’s lined up with the center of the chain rivet.
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4. Begin turning the handle to push out the pin.
You may notice that it’s difficult to turn at first.
5. Continue turning the handle until the pin falls out.
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If you have a chain with reusable rivets, follow the same procedure as for the Shimano and Campagnolo chains, but be very careful not to push the pin completely out of the link — you’ll use the same pin to reconnect the chain. The end of the pin has an expanded surface and you won’t be able to reinstall it into the link if you push it completely out.
If you have any questions about your chain, consult your owner’s manual or visit your local bike shop.